DO WE TAKE EASTER FOR GRANTED?

“Easter was when Hope in person surprised the whole world by coming forward from the future into the present.” —N.T. Wright,

It should be a day for celebration like none other.

It’s obvious why Easter should be celebrated. Jesus Christ’s resurrection defeated death and gave mankind a pathway to redemption. That’s certainly cause for celebration. But with every passing year, does Easter become a little less important to the place we can take this special day for granted? Is it just a day where the church is packed, we eat a big meal and some chocolate bunnies?

Many of us have heard the gospel countless times. Many of us have heard that the Son of God was sent as a servant, and although He was flawless, He took on the punishment we deserve. We can finally be forgiven because He was a perfect sacrifice and suffered death on the cross. Three days later, His tomb was empty. He defeated death and was resurrected from the grave. We cannot completely commemorate what Christ did for each of us on that day.

The resurrection of Jesus is not just an addendum to the Calvary story. It is not merely something that happened as a result of Calvary. Our understanding of Jesus is foundational to our faith. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.”Christianity could not exist if Jesus never conquered death, and His resurrection separates Him from any other religious leader. Jesus prophesied His death and resurrection and sealed His promises by accomplishing those two things.

What would our lives be like without Jesus? What kind of future would we look forward to if He hadn’t intervened on our behalf? Sometimes, it can be far too easy for us to become complacent in understanding what He has accomplished on our behalf. We’re so used to the benefits He brings to our lives that we don’t consider the mess we’d be in without Him.

Jesus isn’t just a “good guy” — He’s our Savior, worthy of all praise and attention. Fundamentally, our Lord’s message was Himself. He did not come merely to preach a Gospel; He is that Gospel. He did not come only to give bread; He said, “I am the bread of life.” He did not come merely to shed light; He said, “I am the light.” He did not come only to show the door; He said, “I am the door.” He did not come merely to name a shepherd; He said: “I am the shepherd.” He did not come only to point the way; He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

How can we take Easter or our Savior for granted?

Discussion Questions:

1. Who do you say Jesus is? What difference does this make in how you live each day??